Apparatus for treating hydrocarbon oils



June 30, 1925.

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June 30, 1925.

June 30, l 925.- 1,543,831

c. P. DUBBs APPARATUS FOR TREATING HYDROCARBON OILS original Filed Nov. 30, 1917 5 Sheets-sheet s June 30, 1925.

c. P. DUBBS APPARATUS FOR TREATING HYDROCARBON OILS original Filed Nov. 30. 1917 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 30, 1925.

C. P. DUBBS APPARATUS FOR TREATING HYDROCARBON OILS original Filed Nov. 50, v1917 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented June 30,1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CARBON P. DUBBS, OF *WILMETTE ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO UNIVERSAL OIL PRODUCTS COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A` CORPORATION 0F SOUTH DAKOTA.

APPARATUSFOR TBEATING HYDROCARBON OILS.

Original application illed November 30, 1917, Serial No. 204,527. Divided and this application led December 12, 1918. Serial No. 266,398.. Renewed June 16,' 1923.

To all whom t may conocerla( Be it known that I, CARBON'. P. DUBBs, a citizen of the United States, now residing in the town of Wilmette, county ofCook,

and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Treating Hydrocarbon Oils,' of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an apparatus for treating hydrocarbon oils to produce there# from products having lower boiling points, and is a division of an original application lerd by me on Nov. 30, 1917, Serial #204,- 52

Among the salient objects of the invention are to provide an improved apparatus in which the heated' hydrocarbons are circulated through a heating coil and Iinto and through a coil still, and then passed to a condenser, and during s'uch treatment subjected to a pressure of the generated vapors; to provide an apparatus in which the rate of circulation in the coils of the oil, its temperature and pressure, are readily landaccurately controlled; to provide an apparatus which avoids because of circulating the oil through said tubes the danger of the heating tubes being burned out by precipitation ofV carbon; to provide an apparatus 4in which such products that are only partly converted to the desired low boiling point are returned and further circulated through the'heating tubes; to provide an apparatus where, by means 'of controlled air cooled condenser, the grade of distillate allowed to pass from the system is controlled and distillate not up to a desired grade is condensed.'

and automatically returned to the distilling coils and redistilled to provide an apparat-usin which heating tubes are maintained in a furnace within well defined temperature ranges, `and the oil caused to circulate in each set of heating tubes; to provide in general, an improved apparatus of the character referred t `.In the drawings:

vFiga-land Fig. 1a together showvthe rside Fig. 2 and Fig.. 2a are a plan view of the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 11.

Fig. 3 is a detail view of one of the condenser members.

Fig. 4 is a view partly of end elevations and partly section of the heatingcoils.

Referring to the drawings, A1 are furnaces in which the heating tubes are positioned. A2 is a tunnel through which the fire for heating the furnaces passes. A3 is a liue tunnel. A? is a flue and stack.

B1 constitute parallel substantially level heating tubes and B2 constitute parallel substantially level distilling tubes. B3, B4, B5 andB are return Ts on the preheating tubes. B1, Bs and B9 are return Ts on the distilling tubes. around the tubes for anchoring the particular heating tubes shown. With the vexception of the said anchors the tubes extend freely'through the furnace walls and can expand independently thereof. B1 and B" aigre braces for supporting the tubes B1 and B11 'and B15 are bands C1 is a feed line from any source of supply to pump C2, and in this line is throttle valve Ci. C4 is a charging line to preheating tubes B1, and in this line is throttlel valve C5. C6 and C" are motors for operating the pumps 'C2 and C8. C8 is a pump which is supplied through line C9'branch from line C1. C1 is a discharge line connect-ing this 'pump with charging line C4 and branching off of discharge line C10 is a. branch line C11 which connects with suction line C and has positioned on it a pressure relief valve or.

by-pass valve C12. C18 is a meter of any standard make suitable for the work in hand. C14 is a standardmake check valve. C15 is an automatic liquid level regulating gauge, and the one shown here is that which is furnished by Se-c Regulator Company of Fostoria, Ohio, and C15 shown attached to the end of distilling tubes B2 operates to yepen and close the regulator C1", which reg-` ulator is connected with C15 by a diaphragm C, diaphragm C17 being positioned in the supply line-C4. YIt will be understood that any suitable method may be employed for regulating the level in the distilling tubes B2.v As this regulator is-of standard equipment and operates on well'known principles and the valve operated by a diaphragm 1s of standard make and well understood, I have not gone into the description of same here, nor do I claim any part of the regulator'1tself as new.

B1 is a fitting connecting adjacent heating tube B1 to the supply line C4. B11 is the fit-4 ting on the end of the heating tube B1 through which .the oil in same is discharged into line D1. This line D1 is connected to the bottom of the ttingB12which is secured to the distilling .tubes B2. The oil is discharged o-ut through the bottom `of the fitting B8 by means of line E1 and through cooling tank E2-and then to any suitable storage, not shown, and between said storage and cooling tank E2 is positioned in 4line'fl a throttle valve E3, to control the rate"of fiow of the residuum from the line E1; and a similar throttle valve E4 is positioned in the. line E1 for obtaining samples of residuum from saidv line E1.

F1 is a centrifugal pump. "F2 is a motory v for operating same. F3 is a suction line to the pump from the distilling tubes B2 coming out of the bottom of the fitting marked B11. F '1 is dischargey line which enters .the side of the fitting B12 on the end of the tube marked B2. F 5 is a carbon trap on the bottom of the Suction line as it comes out of the fitting B12. F 6 is also a centrifugal( pump. F7 is a motor for operating same. Fs is a suctidn line to the pump from the heating tubes B1-coming out of the bottom of the fitting marked B6. F is a discharge line from the pump which enters the side of the fitting marked` B10 on the end of the 'y G1, G2, G3 and GA1 are upwardly inclined vapor lines leading off of the distilling tubes B2. Lines G1 and G1 connect with a manifold G5, -which manifold connects by pipe G2 to a fitting B8 attached to the distilling tubes B2. Lines G2 and G8 connect to manifold G1, which manifold connects by means` of pipe GB to the top of fitting B13 on the end of the distilling tubes B2. These vapor lines G1, G2, G3 and G4 are connected at upper end to a, common header GD and have positioned on them throttle valves G10, G11, G12 and G12. Said manifold' G2 is connected toa top manifold G14 by means of bent pipes G15 to G22; and to the center of the top manifold G14 is connected pipe G27 which connects in turn to coils G28 contained in water tank G22. From coils G22, the condenser pipe extends through pipe G1o into receiving tank H. From pipe G30 is a branch pipe G31 having a pressure indicating gauge G32, and out of the pipe G21 extends pipe G33 on end of which is a valve marked G31; This valve and gauge may be situated in thelftail house and affords means for there reg lating the pressure. Y

On tank H are lass liquid gauges H1 and H2, pressure re ief valve H2, draw off valves H, H5 and H and pressure gauge H1. H is for use in case water is to be drawn off before draining the distillate out through Valve H1. H4 is a valve for use in an emergency, for example, when one ofthe otherlvalves are removed for repair or renewal, and if superficial for 'showing the workings ofthe apparatus.

J1, J2, J3 arel supports for the receiving tank H. K is a support for the pipes as shown. f

L1 is a standard indicating pyrometer and is connected with different thermo-sticks, which thermo-sticks are positioned in the furnace in which the tubes B1 and B2 are positioned. L2 is a standard temperature recording instrument and connected to a thermo-stick byea cable, and which thermostick is positioned inside the manifold G14. L3 is a standard temperature recording instrument connected to thermo-sticks, which latter are positioned, one in the heating coils t0 ive the temperature of the oils therein, an one positioned in the large` distilling coils, to give the temperature therein. L4 is a standard level indicating gauge, which is connected by tubing to the receiving tank H and shows the depth of the liquid contained in receiving tankH. Ls is a standard switchboard, which board contains a standard knife switch for breaking or completing the circuit for operating the chargingpump C2; also a knife switch for completing or breaking the circuit for controlling the motor C2, which operates the circulating pump C2, also a knife switch for breaking or completing the electric current for controlling the electric circulating pump F1; also a knife switch for breaking or completing t-he electric current for the electric lights in the plant, all of which are enclosed in a house built beneath the Water cooling tank G2.

M1 is a gas main for supplying the furnaces in which tubes B1 and B2 are contained. i N1, N2, N3 and N4 are supports for the eXtensions'O1, O2 which extensions are simply housingoverthe ends of the preheating tubes B1 and the distilling tubes B27 which housing is to prevent more orfless cooling effect` that would be caused by leaving them open ftol'the atmosphere and also to prevent subjecting the ends to varying temperatures.

Describing now the operation of theprocess, the material to be treated is tobe drawn from any suitable source of supply through line C1 by and through centrifugal pump C2, through line C* into heating tubes B1. Then through line D1 to distilling tubes B2 which distilling tubes may also be called a vaporizing chamber and when these latter heating tubes have been lilled to desired level, pump C2 is shut down and'yalve C2 on line C1 and valve C5 on line, C4 are closed, and normally remain closed during the rest of the run. Heat is supplied to the furnace A1 and as soon as a desired vapor pressure has been created 'on the apparatus, then supply pump CS is started in operation and obtains its supply of raw material through line C9 and discharges through line C1 into line C4, valve C1 being opened, and should the level of the liquid in thedistilling tubes B2 be of the proper height, then the liquid level regulator C1ls will by means of diaphragm C, close the valve C1 on supply line C4, and the back pressure thus created on the line Cl will force open the pressure relief valve C12 and by-pass the oil from the discharge side continuously operating pump C2 back into the suction line C,

a-nd this operation will continue until the level in the distilling tubes B2 drops to a suliicient point to permit the valve C16 to be automatically opened, thus admitting more raw material into the heating tubes B1 g and B2. l

Pump F1 is started and continues to operate during the process'.v This causes the oil to circulate through the distilling tubes B2. This is accomplished by drawing the oil through .suction F3 and discharging it back into the tubes, through the discharge pipe F.

The reslduum formed in the distilling tubes B2 is drawn otlg' either intermittently.

or continuously through line .E1 through cooling coil contained in tank E2 and from there to any suitable storage. The quantity of residuum drawn off from this coil is regulated by means of valve E2 positioned in the line E1, and samples of said residuum may be obtained at any time through cock E'1 in line E1. Pump F6 is maintained in operation throughout the process, and the oil in heating tubes B1, is thus made to circulate 4by drawing ott the oil through suction pipe F8 and discharges back into these same tubes through thedischarge tubes F2.

The vapors generated pass up through lines G1, G2, G3 and G* and manifold G2 and from there up through pipes G15 to Gr2B into manifold G1. All the vapors that are condensed up to this point are drained back into the distilling tubes B2 while the remaining vapors pass up through line G27 through coilG immersed in water in tank G22, and from there pass through line G80 into receiving tank H from which they may be drawn o intermittently or continuously through valves H4, H5 or H".

It will be seen that this method provides a process'for automatically and continuously treating Apetroleum for the production of lower boiling 'point products and by means of the independent circulation of the liquids permits the furnace in which the tubes are l positioned being maintained at a considerably higher heat without injurious edect to the oil and in fact up to certain well defined llimits, which limits are readily ascertained for any particular oil, it is of great commercial advantage to have the furnaces hotter than the oil contained in tubes positioned in furnace A1 or oil and vapors containeddin tubes B2 and both maintained in` rapid circulation through these tubes.

The entire system is preferably subjected to a 'vapor pressure of from 50 to 500 lbs. per

square inch, although the pressure will vary with the conditions., The temperature of the oil will preferably vary rom'500 toA 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, although these limits are in no senseabsolute. The pumps are preferably so operated as to cause a rapid circulation in the tubes B1 and B2.

Taking gas oil from the mid-continent field of say, 32 to 34 Baum, and subjecting the same to approximately 600 F., in the heating zone and from 670 Vto 850 F., in the vapor chamber, at the same time, subjecting it to a pressure of 100 pounds more or less, a yield of approximately 50% of distillate Ywill be obtained therefrom. When redistilled, this distillate will yield approximately 50% gasoline or hydrocarbons having a boiling point of 400 F. The heating tubes are of a diameter from 2 to 4 and the vapor chamber is approximately 10' in n carbons, thecombina-tion with a heating coil,

of a vaporizing coil of larger diameter than the heating coil and adapted to be heated to a temperature at or above that maintained in the heating coil, a pump and connections to the heating coilfor causing a local circulation therein and another pump connection to the vaporizing coil for causing a local circulation in said coil.

2. In an apparatus for treating hydrocarbons,"the combination with a heating chamber, of a vaporizing chamber .of larger capacity than the heating chamber, a pump connected by inlet and discharge lines to the heating chamber to cause a local circulation of the oil therein and another pump connected to the vaporizing chamber by inletl and discharge lines, causing local circulation of the oil in said vaporizing chamber.

3. In an apparatus for treating hydrocarbons, the combination with a heating coil,

of akvapor chamber of larger diameter thanv the heating coil mounted in the heating zone and adapted to bring the hydrocarbon vapors to the same or a higher temperature than the temperature of the hydrocarbons in the heating coil, a condenser connected to the vapor chamber, means separately connected with the heating coil and vapor chamber for producing local circulations in said elements.

4. In an apparatus for treating hydrocarbons, the combination with a heating chamber, of a vapor chamber of larger cachamber, of a vapor chamber of larger capacity than the heating chamber mounted 1n a heating zone and adapted to be heated to a temperature at or above the temperature of the heating chamber, means connected with both of said chambers whereby local circulations may be maintained in the respective chambers, dephlegmating and condensing means connected to the vapor chamber, and means for maintaining a regulated Ivaporupressure upon the apparatus.

6. In anv apparatus of the character described, the combination with a tire box, of a relatively small heating conduit seated in said fire box, a larger distilling conduit, also seated in said iire box, connections to said conduit, means for supplying `i1 to the first named conduit, means for taking off vapors from second conduit and condensing the same, means for causing a local cyclic circulation of the oil through the larger conduit and means for maintaining a pressure in the oil in both of said conduits and during condensation.

7. In an apparatus-of the character described, the combination with a fire box, of a relatively small heating conduit seated in said lire box, a larger distilling conduit, connections to said conduit, mean-s for supplying oil to the firstnamed conduit, means for taking olf vapors from the second conduit and condensing the same, means for causing an independent cyclic circulation of the oil 'through the larger conduit and means for maintaining a pressure on the oil in both conduits during condens-ation.

8. lIn an apparatus of the character de-4 scribed, the combination with a fire box, of a relatively small heating conduit seated in said lire box, a larger distilling conduit,

connections to said conduit, means for supplying oil in regulated quantities to the initial -conduit, means for `causing,r ay rapid and independent forced cyclic circulation through the larger conduit, condensing ,means connected with the larger conduit, and means for `maintaining a pressure on the oil in both conduits during condensa: tion. i

9. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination with a fire box, of a relatively small heating conduit seated in said fire box, a larger distilling conduit connected therewith, means for independentl circulating the oil through lthe larger con uit, means for drawin off the heavier oil from the larger con uit, means for taking ofi' vapors from the larger conduit and condensing the same, means for maintaining a pressure of the generated vapors on the oil in both conduits during condensation.

' 10. .A n apparatus of the character described, comprising a heating chamber, of a heating conduit disposed therein, a distilling conduit, connections between said conduits, means for supplying oil to the first mentioned conduit, means for removing vapors from the distilling conduit, means for causing a local cyclic circulation of the oil through the distilling conduit, and means for maintaining a vapor pressure on the oil in said conduits during treatment.

11. An apparatus. of the character described, comprising a furnace, means fol receiving oil to heat the same disposed within said furnace, a distilling receiver, connections between said oil in the heating means and the distilling receiver, a vapor discharge for the distilling' receiver, and means for causing an independent forced cyclic circulation of oil through said distilling receiver.

12. An apparatus of the character described, comprisin a furnace, ofa heating conduit within sai furnace,'a distilling conduit, connections between said conduits, means for supplying oil to the first 1nentioned conduit, means for taking olf vapors from the secondl conduit, a condenser .receiving said vapors, means for causing an independent cyclic circulation of oil through the distilling conduit.

-13.'An apparatus of the character described,co1nprising a furnaceof a heating conduit within said furnace, a distilling conduit, connections between said conduits,

means for supplying oil to the first mentioned conduit, means for taking oli' vapors from the second conduit, a condenser receiving said vapors, means vfor causing an independent cyclic circulation of oil through the ldistilling conduit, and means for rc1 turning-condensate from the condenser to the distilling conduit.

14. An apparatus of theA character described, comprising a fire box, of a heating conduit disposed therein, means for feeding oil to said conduit, a distilling conduit and a connection between the heating and distilling conduits, cyclic circulation of oil through the distilling conduit, from said conduit, vapor lines for passing said vapors from said conduit to a condensmeans for causing a local.

means for removing vapors er, throttle valves in said vapor lines, and.

means for maintaining a undergoing treatment.

15. An apparat-us for treating oils, comprising a heating chamber, a heating conduit disposed therein, 'mea-ns for delivering oil to the heating conduit, a distilling conduit, connections vbetween said conduits, means for discharging vapors from the distilling conduit, including a plurality of vapor lines, a header communlcating with said lines, condensing tubes communicating with the header, means for discharging vapors from said tubes, means for returning pressure on the oil 15 condensate from the vapor lines to the `distilling conduit, and means for maintaining a local cyclic circulation of oil through the distilling conduit. f

16. An apparatus of the character dei scribed, comprising a furnace, an elongated 20 charge rom said distilling receiver, and P- means for causing an independent forced cyclic circulation of the oil stream through said coil.

` cARBoN IP. Dumas., 

